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does this even make sense?

  • Thread starter Thread starter epwojo
  • Start date Start date Dec 6, 2010
E

epwojo

New Member
Mar 9, 2009
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Dec 6, 2010
#1
  • Dec 6, 2010
  • #1
So i just installed a set of HIDS on my 96 GT, and for the first time ever the ABS light came on. I thought it was just because of the cold so i turned the car off and started it again and the light went away. Anyway so when i drive during the day the ABS is not on and does not come ob. But when i start the car and than turn the HIDS on, the ABS light comes on. But when i turn the car on and than turn on the HIDS and than start the car, no ABS light comes on. So is it possible that when I start the car and than Turn the HIDS on, that the lights are tripping something, causing the ABS light to come on? I know its a shot in the dark, but thats the only time the ABS light comes on. I hope this made sense.
 

bhuff30

Founding Member
Dec 11, 2001
6,037
35
129
Olathe KS
Dec 6, 2010
#2
  • Dec 6, 2010
  • #2
Top off the brake fluid and see if it still happens.

Yes, it makes no immediate sense, but the HIDs would have a substantial current draw. That could lower the voltage of the system, which could have an effect on resistance type sensors. Just give it a try and report back.
 

joshjwc9

Active Member
Jun 12, 2006
1,095
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39
Palm Harbor, FL
Dec 6, 2010
#3
  • Dec 6, 2010
  • #3
Well, if this isn't a straight plug and play HID kit, it may have a weak resistor or relay that isn't functioning completely. If it is, it might be low brake fluid or a dirty ABS sensor. Any other work done? Or muddy/dirty traveling recently either?
 

trinity_gt

10 Year Member
Jan 31, 2003
3,125
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99
Canada
Dec 6, 2010
#4
  • Dec 6, 2010
  • #4
As bhuff said, HIDs can draw a significant current (though they only do so for a very short period of time when power is first applied; in steady-state, once lit-off, HIDs actually draw less current than halogens...)

However, HIDs don't just suffer from a high "inrush" current, they also can produce a significant amount of what's known as "EMI" or "electromagnetic interference." This is because inside the HID is a power supply that boosts the car's 12V system voltage to a much higher level needed to start and maintain the HID bulbs. These power supplies, if not designed well, can generate significant EMI both radiated (which can sometimes be heard as crackling in the radio speakers when tuned to an AM radio station) and conducted (which can play hell with sensitive electronics in the rest of the car by contaminating the 12V source...)

Double-check your installation. Make sure you've got good quality grounds. If the case of the ballast needs to be grounded, make sure it is. Use a relay drawing power from the battery (through a proper fuse, obviously) to run the HIDs and trigger the relay coil using the car's OE headlight wiring.

What brand are the HIDs? Cheap off-shore crap or quality parts?
 
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epwojo

New Member
Mar 9, 2009
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0
Dec 6, 2010
#5
  • Dec 6, 2010
  • #5
Thanks for all the input guys! After doing some inspecting, what is causing the problem is the result of a bad ground wire.

And im not too sure what type of HID'S they are. They were on my buddies 04' ranger and he gave them to me after he wrecked it. But i do know they are good quality and he never had a problem with them.
 
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